New Eden Religion
New Eden is a looser religion than most with a wide variety of beliefs, derived from a mix of new age spiritualism, Buddhism and Hinduism.
Mythology & Lore
New Edenist largely believe in reincarnation and enlightenment through peace and well being.
Cosmological Views
The universe was created as modern science says, derived from the Big Bang, but the singularity from which the Big Bang exploded was a piece of "God". While God is not quite the correct choice of word, as it's not seen as a divine being with purpose, it is the natural essence that has guided the shape of the universe. It is believed the other pieces of "God" also expanded into multiple planes of existence and the only way for people to ascend is through multiple lifetimes of good work.
Tenets of Faith
There are few steadfast tenants of New Eden, but there are commonalities among all poeple:
You can only achieve enlightenment through peace, non-violence and transparency. While military service is seen as mostly negative it is believed spending a lifetime in dedicated service will help in future lives if still not moving forward in enlightenment.
Worship
Worship is self instituted and achieved through many means. People can worship by meditating, improving upon their physical form, helping others, leading others, healing others, understanding nature better, studying, etc.
Priesthood
There are priest and monks but it largely depends on the region.
There are also what people call the Ascended, individuals who are believed to be reincarnated versions of the founders of New Eden, while they don't hold a rank in the religion necessarily they are treated almost as walking living breathing deities, depending on the individual. It is believed there are as many as 200 Ascended at any given time.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The New Eden religion largely permeates the nation as a whole but that is widely accepted.
Sects
There are many sects within New Eden, but the most notable are the
Vesperia Sect: They believe any violence or form of learning physical combat is wrong and will set you on the wrong path. They encourage against even joining the military. While they are one of the smaller sects they are probably the second most vocal.
Azure Fox Sect: The Azure Fox Sect is known to exist although it is mostly secretive and assumed to be small. A few tenants have have been exposed over time though, for instance: Crime is meaningless if the ends justifies the means and is non-violent. Drug use is a way to peak beyond the veil to see into other planes and is encouraged. The Azure Fox is believed to be an actual being who helps guide people to other planes and will often give you visions of your path when taking psychedelics. They are quite possibly the only sect to believe in a true divine being. It is also believed they are skilled thieves.
Simia Sect: This is probably one of the bigger sects of New Eden and the most vocal. Believe that everyone in New Eden should be taught the New Eden values or leave the nation. They believe New Eden as a nation must ascend together and anyone in their space that doesn't actively believe or practice is actively holding the greater nation back.
Gallean Sect: Galleans can be seen almost as the polar opposite of the Simia Sect, while having a similar goal of obtaining a form of ascension. This group is small but radicalized, with the belief that any form of government prevents it's people from ascending because their actions are not dictated by self guiding principals but instead by others. New Eden government typically tries to keep information about this Sect largely under wraps, as there is a fear that other corporations and nations will take advantage of this sect to sow discord in the government. Galleans are have been prone to violence in the past, mostly targeting political leaders from the Simia Sect as they are largely seen as Gallean's biggest adversary. Most heinous and well known attempt was [[The Failed Bombing of Violent Order Starship]].
Cosmic Gyrovagues: Cosmic Gyrovagues are not necessarily a sect but typically this is the title given to those who travel, wander and step away from any form of organized religion. If you meet a New Edenist outside of New Eden space, there is a high likely-hood that would be a Gyrovague. In New Eden politics they are regarded as great diplomats as they are not beholden to any one sect. While they come in many flavors of ideals they are typically seen as moderate within the societal-political climate.
Permeated Organizations
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